Sandpaper Grain Size Measured as Gloss

Sensor Instruments GmbH: In the production of sandpaper it must be ensured that the grain size of the abrasive material (e.g. aluminum oxide or silicon carbide) always lies within the permitted tolerance range. Previously performed laboratory tests showed that the gloss factor of the sandpaper surface correlates quite well with the grain size: The smaller the grain size, the higher the corresponding gloss factor.

The gloss factor values are determined inline in order to get the quickest possible feedback. The two inline sensors of the GLOSS series are the best solution for this application: GLOSS-15-60°,  which is best suited for fine (< 200µm) and very fine (< 70µm) grain sizes, and GLOSS-5-85°, which is best used for coarse (> 600µm) to medium (> 200µm) grain sizes. The GLOSS-15-60° gloss sensor operates at a distance of 15mm from the sandpaper surface, whereas the GLOSS-5-85° sensor works at a distance of 5mm.

Both sensors are equipped with three digital outputs (0V/+24V) that are used to indicate whether the gloss factor lies within a certain adjustable tolerance range, and an analog output (0V … +10V or 4mA … 20mA) that is proportional to the respective gloss factor. The gloss sensor has a maximum scan frequency of typ. 60kHz). Through a digital-serial interface and with the help of the monitoring software that is included in the delivery the gloss factor values can be displayed graphically and numerically, and additional production data (operator, product name, order number, product number, data, time) can be saved together with the gloss information.

The gloss sensor GLOSS-15-60 ° is suitable for fine (<200µm) and very fine grain sizes (<70µm)

The GLOSS-5-85 ° is suitable for coarse grain sizes (> 600µm) up to medium grain sizes (> 200µm)

"Teaching" of gloss sensor GLOSS-15-60° with the GLOSS-Scope Windows® software